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Spotlight On Sports Clubs

Karate — ancient art of self-defence

Karate is perhaps the latest addition to the vast realm of student activities. Started last year, the club developed solidly; a highlight of the year was an exhibition during Judo in last year's Winter Tournament.

The untimely death of the founder during the Christmas vacation nearly spelt the end for the club, but thanks to the keenness and moral support of old members the club has continued and consolidated.

Karate has many connotations for different people. The fact that it is being popularised and commercialised has only added to the melee. Here, then, a brief reiteration of the essence and philosophy of Karate is essential.

Because of insufficient space full justice cannot be given to the subject; with this in mind, one can only apologise to all past masters of this martial art.

The literal meaning of the two Japanese characters which make up the word Karate is "empty hands," emphasising a form of unarmed self-defence which relied principally on the use of the hands, feet and body. Although the basic forms of self-defence are as old as the human race itself, the art of Karate as practised today can be traced directly to the Okinawan technique called in Japanese Okinawan—Te or "Okinawan hands." This system, perfected on the island in secret for the major part of its development under an era of demilitarisation, is in turn a descendant of the ancient Chinese art of Kungfu.

This latter system is as old as China itself.

So modern Karate is an adapted byproduct of the older forms and it is only in modern times that it has been scientifically studied and principles evolved. Like Kungfu. Karate has now become a parent art that contains several styles. Yet one cannot help thinking that more has been forgotten by masters of old than will ever be learned by masters of today.

Though modern Karate is impressive as it is, it is staggering to realise that a comprehensive codification of this martial art dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries—perfected to a degree that finds no equal today.

As the legend relates, the Buddhist monk, Daruma. journeyed overland into China to teach Buddhism. Settling in the Shaolinssu monastery, he practised a severe self-discipline that was too much for the physical endurance of his student monks. Though the essence of Buddhism is to enlighten the soul, the body and soul are inseparable, according to Daruma. To be able to sustain the ascetic practices, he taught them a set of physical exercises that developed intrinsic energy. At the same time, he borrowed and adapted the local fighting art to form the famous Shaolinssu, "the first way." As it spread throughout South-East Asia it underwent a blending with the existing local fighting systems.

The essential thing is the spirituality that it demands through mental discipline. In Japan the physical side finds its complement in Zen. This does not imply any religiousness in the western sense, but rather a relationship between mind and body that reflects a way of life. In modern Karate it is this mental and physical harmony in the form of "Kime" that makes it a physical art without parallel. Because of mental discipline a Karateka can transcend his physical nature and do seemingly impossible things. Yet what seems esoteric and mystical is explainable in terms of hard work and patience; a student must possess these, plus a seriousness of mind, before he can find depth in Karate. This should dispel any misconceptions about "instant Karate."

It must be emphasised that smashing bricks and chopping blocks of wood are not the essence of Karate but merely a part. There is no need to develop huge calluses unless one really understands Karate. Anyone can harden his hands for three months without really understanding Karate.

Because it is essentially a system of self-defence it instils in one a sense of impassivity, an outlook of non-violence. One should never attack—but in defending, one attacks. This is superbly illustrated by the principle of Japanese fencing; smash the bones of your opponent just before he strikes your skin.

It is versatile in that it is a system of self-defence, a form of physical art, and can be adapted as a sport.

For these reasons it can be practised by young and old alike. As a physical exercise it is stimulating, as a way of life it is fulfilling, and it fosters coordination, agility and confidence.

Recently an event of significance took place when a Kyokushinkai 2nd Dan recently returned from Japan gave the club its first grading. He awarded three green belts (which we are hoping to increase to five) and four yellow belts. Out of a class of 10 this is quite a high ratio and should provide a solid core for next year.

One significant factor is the large dropout rate during each year. Out of a class of 60 that, started at the beginning of this year, a mere 10 now remain. Of the portion that gave up. the causes were: satisfaction of curiosity, training sessions were too vigorous. Karate didn't provide an instant self-defence, and the possibility of injury.

To the potential Karate student we advise this: it is not an art that can be learnt overnight, it demands patience, hard work and consistency from the student.

Now that we have the material for a good club we hope to be busy next year. We follow a rigorous training session, interspersed with visits to other clubs around the capital. Our club follows the Kyokushinkai style of Oyama, one of the leading exponents of Karate today. We are affiliated to the association formed by his official New Zealand representative. The prime purposes of this association are to follow the way of Karate, to unify it New Zealand, and to promote national championships.

It is unfortunate, therefore, that with the increasing awareness of Karate in the university, a limiting factor is our Dojo, which at the moment is inadequate for a big class.